Object Details
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Smith, James
inventor
Smith, James
Description
James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100334 was issued on March 1, 1869.
This desk features a wooden bench with a flat backrest and seat. The seat folds up with the use of wooden hinges. The desk is attached to the back and does not lift up. There is a storage shelf underneath the desktop. There are no legs, but instead a pew-like support system. There is a silver plaque, tarnished, on the desktop that reads, "Improved School Desk, James Smith, Richmond Ind."
Ezra Smith, Asa Smith, and James Smith owned Ezra Smith & Co., where they manufactured various types of school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
patent date
1870-03-01
associated date
1876
ID Number
CL.249602.586
catalog number
249602.586
accession number
249602
patent number
100,334
Object Name
school desk
model
desk model
Object Type
Patent Model
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 7 3/4 in x 6 1/2 in x 5 1/4 in; 19.685 cm x 16.51 cm x 13.335 cm
referenced in patent specifications
United States: Indiana, Richmond
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Education
American History Education Collection
Cultures & Communities
Patent Model School Seats and Desks
Data Source
National Museum of American History
general subject association
Education
classified
Patent Models
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_660965